Music was my first love. Years before I got into movies and way before world travel was even a glint in my eye, life was mostly about losing myself in records, poring over lyrics and going to gigs. I was a teenager when I started scribbling down album reviews. 

It began just for my own entertainment, while later on I began sharing with family and friends. If someone had told me that one day I’d be writing music news, album reviews and interviewing singers and bands for a living I’d have probably suffered cardiac arrest. It was this experience that ultimately gave me the courage to start this travel blog, work as a freelancer and develop my plan to become location independent.

While Leighton Literature’s focus these days is squarely on My Short Stories from around the world and My Daily Travel Reports, in the site’s early days I also posted a bunch of my album reviews. 

The twenty records listed below are very special to me for all kinds of reasons and always will be. Feel free to dip in and out and leave a comment if you feel so moved. If just one person comes here and discovers a new artist or album then it’ll all have been worth it! 

Leighton – July, 2018.

Attack of the Grey Lantern by Mansun.

After the Gold Rush by Neil Young.

Bringing It all Back Home by Bob Dylan.

Bryter Later by Nick Drake.

Definitely Maybe by Oasis.

Dusty in Memphis by Dusty Springfield.

Figure 8 by Elliot Smith.

Funeral by Arcade Fire.

Gold by Ryan Adams.

Lost Souls by Doves.

Parklife by Blur.

MTV Unplugged in New York by Nirvana.

Radiator by Super Furry Animals.

Sea Change by Beck.

Surfer Rosa by Pixies.

The Bends by Radiohead.

The Ideal Crash by dEUS.

The Queen Is Dead by The Smiths.

The White Album by The Beatles.

What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye.

For more on my lifelong and often obsessive love of music, click here.

Check out Leighton Travels on Instagram!

Read the Leighton Travels interview on Ericotrips.

Take a look at my Q&A on Andy’s World Journeys.